MADRID (AFP) - Formula One team Renualt are set to bring back their former driver and double world champion Fernando Alonso to the French stable, according to Spanish sports newspaper As on Saturday.

The Spanish daily reported that Renault principle Flavio Briatore is keen to resign Alonso, who currently drives for constructor leaders McLaren, for the 2008 season and for a minimum contract of two years.

Alonso, who has been outshined by teammate and rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton in the early stages of this season, is at the heart of other speculations notably a possible move to Italian team Ferrari.

The 25-year-old Spaniard recently hinted at favouritism within McLaren towards British teammate Hamilton, who has reached every podium this season winning two Grand Prixs.

Alonso was crowned Formula One champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006 and is currently second in the driver's standings 14 points behind Hamilton.

Do you guys think that Flavio is blabbering away, or does he truly want to lure back Alonso because of the not-so-preferential treatment he is receiving at McLaren? I personally think that Flavio is making big wishes right now, and if he wants Alonso back, Alonso will have to take a pretty sizeable pay cut, but we all know that he's not Ralfie

Lewis has had a phenomenal start to his F1 career that is undeniable, but i really don't think Fernando will leave. There has been talk about a rift, but i wonder just how much of these reports have been vastly exaggerated by the press. At the moment Fernando is driving the best car for a team he has always dreamed of driving for. he was a McLaren fan when Senna was driving. what people fail to remember is that Fernando has moved to a new team, driving a new car with different tyres. Lewis has been testing the McLarens for a lot longer than Fernando as Renault wouldn't release him.

Frankly, I don't see Alonso leaving McLaren. It is his best bet for championship contention. If Alonso can keep his head on his shoulders and deal with LH's rookie stardom then he will do fine. Even if Alonso went to Renault his biggest competitor is still LH. So for a definite pay-cut, sub-par car... You do the math!

once someone leaves for a bigger team they dont go back imo. It would be like Michael leaving Ferrari after the initial struggles he had and move back to Benetton. Not only will it tarnish his legacy but it jus simply doesn't make sense. Alonso is in an "A" team now no point in moving back to a "B" team.

iceman1 wrote:Lewis has had a phenomenal start to his F1 career that is undeniable, but i really don't think Fernando will leave. There has been talk about a rift, but i wonder just how much of these reports have been vastly exaggerated by the press. At the moment Fernando is driving the best car for a team he has always dreamed of driving for. he was a McLaren fan when Senna was driving. what people fail to remember is that Fernando has moved to a new team, driving a new car with different tyres. Lewis has been testing the McLarens for a lot longer than Fernando as Renault wouldn't release him.

totaly agree with this, he is winning races, 2 points behind in the drivers standings, and as much as i like hamilton i must say alonso is the favourite to win the title, he has a pay check way bigger than the renault team can offer, why move?